Job Description

• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Part time (40%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $83,776.43 - $93,121.40 + 17% super (HEW Level 5)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated part-time Research Assistant to support ongoing gas fermentation research projects within a multidisciplinary research environment.

In this role, you will provide additional technical support for experimental work and routine laboratory operations, ensuring project milestones can be achieved within required timelines.

You will support and assist with gas fermentation research through anaerobic microbial cultivation, operation of bench-scale fermentation systems, analytical testing, sample processing, and fermentation data analysis as well as general laboratory activities, while contributing to research focused on industrial biotechnology and sustainable bioprocessing applications.

Key responsibilities will include:

Microbiology & Anaerobic Techniques

• Culture and maintain anaerobic microorganisms (e.g. Clostridium spp.)
• Perform sterile techniques, contamination control, and strain preservation
• Conduct anaerobic culturing using anaerobic chambers/gloveboxes and Hungate or serum bottle techniques

Fermentation & Bioprocessing

• Operate and monitor bench-scale bioreactors (batch, fed-batch, and continuous systems)
• Monitor fermentation parameters including pH, temperature, agitation, and gas flow rates
• Conduct gas-fed fermentations using gases such as CO, CO₂, and H₂
• Perform liquid and gas phase sampling

Analytical & Data Analysis

• Use analytical techniques including spectrophotometry (OD measurements) and gas mass spectrometry
• Analyse gas composition and fermentation performance data
• Process, plot, and interpret fermentation and growth trends

General Duties

• Undertake other duties as reasonably directed by the supervisor

About You

You will have:

• Bachelor’s (Honours) or Master’s degree in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemical engineering, systems biology, or a related field
• Prior experience in anaerobic fermentation, industrial microbiology, gas fermentation, or similar laboratory environments is highly desirable
• Experience in Microbiology and Anaerobic Technique as well as Fermentation & Bioprocessing
• Experience with anaerobic microbiology techniques, including anaerobic chambers/gloveboxes and Hungate or serum bottle cultures
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Ability to work independently on routine procedures
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Well-organised, methodical and self-motivated
• Previous experience in a similar role would be considered favorably.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr James Heffernan - j.heffernan@uq.edu.au

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close 7 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-64934). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for early June.